Alpha Decay
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Name: ___
Name__________________________
Learning Targets: identify symbols for alpha decay and solve alpha decay equations
Open/Run Alpha Decay at http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/alpha-decay
Take 5 minutes to freely explore the sim and familiarize yourself with its operation.
Investigating Alpha Decay
1. Start on the SINGLE ATOM tab. Observe the decay of Polonium-211. After each decay, press the RESET
NUCLEUS button to watch the process again. Write a description of alpha decay for Po-211.
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Complete the following alpha decay equations, using http://www.chemicalelements.com as a resource:
2. Polonium-211
3. Radium-226
4. Uranium-238
5. Plutonium-240
6. Americium-241
Research: How is alpha decay used in everyday life? Use the link below:
http://www.ehow.com/info_8691923_10-uses-alpha-radiation.html
Describe 5 uses of alpha decay
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Investigating Half-Life of Alpha Decay
8. Click the MULTIPLE ATOMS tab. Execute five trials to determine the number of parent and daughter nuclei
at one half-life. Complete the table below.
Parent Nuclei
Po-211
Parent Nuclei
(remaining nuclei)
[yellow]
Daughter Nuclei
(decayed nuclei)
[black]
100
80
60
40
20
9. Define half-life.
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10. Suppose a substance has a half-life of 0.52 s. Create accurate pie charts showing the number of remaining
parent nuclei and decayed daughter nuclei (shade slightly) starting with 40 total nuclei.
PREDICTION with VALUES:
𝒕 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟐 𝒔
𝒕 = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟒 𝒔
𝒕 = 𝟏. 𝟓𝟔 𝒔
𝒕 = 𝟐. 𝟎𝟖 𝒔
11. Use the PhET alpha decay simulation to test your scenario copying each pie chart.
SIMULATION with VALUES:
𝒕 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟐 𝒔
𝒕 = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟒 𝒔
𝒕 = 𝟏. 𝟓𝟔 𝒔
𝒕 = 𝟐. 𝟎𝟖 𝒔
12. How does your prediction match with the results of the simulation?
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